'Skinny' cable TV a day away: What's coming for consumers

It won't be long now. As of tomorrow, cable TV customers will have access to slimmed-down cable packages costing around $25 per month.

• Bell tells staff to downplay new $25 basic TV package
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• Cable companies mum on pickandpay
• 'Skinny' cable and pick-and-pay TV: What you need to know

The federal broadcast regulator ordered the changes a year ago, calling for "smaller, more affordable basic service that prioritizes Canadian TV services."

Most of the major players have already revealed at least a few details of what will be available.

In mandating "skinny basic" packages, with a focus on local and regional Canadian TV stations, the CRTC said providers should offer a basic package of channels for about $15 less than most of their cheapest plans currently offered. Come December, the companies must offer both theme packages and individual pick-and-pay channels.

Here's a breakdown of what has been reported so far on some of the new packages:

StarterTV on Rogers

Rogers, primarily serving southern and eastern Ontario, New Brunswickand Newfoundland and Labrador, says it will have "dozens" of options, including one calledStarter for $24.99 (plus digital box or purchase). Additional theme packages of specialty channels will range in price from $3 to $18. A pick-and-pay option will be unveiled later in the year. But tomorrow, Rogers will offer theme packages.

It's up to individual providers if they wish to offer the local U.S. network affiliates in their new entry-level TV packages, but if they do, they can't increase what they charge for them.

Bell stripping away U.S. channels

Although the basic plan from Rogers will include local U.S. stations ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS, the Starterpackage of its competitor, Bell TV, will not.

The inclusion of these channels is not CRTC-mandated. Bell TV is expected to stick to offering stations such as CBC, CTV and Global, as well as CPAC and minority French- or English-language channels, as required.

A Bell training document states that costs for the Fibe TV Starterpack can go much higher than the initial $24.95 monthly fee. The plancomes with about 20 mandatory Canadian channels. Customers can then add individual pick-and-pay channels priced at either $4 or $7.

Vidotron, Telus, Eastlink news pending

Vidotron in Quebec has a $25 basic package, but currently it must be supplemented with a $12 bundle of five channels. An employee told CBC News this will change by the Tuesday deadline to conform to CRTC regulations.

For cable customers in Alberta and B.C, there's Telus, which has only said thatit is waiting for the deadline day before it divulges the specifics of its skinny plan.

Providers in Nova Scotia include Bell Aliant, Bell Satellite TV, Shaw satellite and Eastlink. Few pricing details were available on Monday. Bell Aliant says its Starter package is only available with Bell Aliant's FibreOp TVand does not include any high-definition channels.Eastlink has not posted any information about the new choices on its website.

Shaw's 40-channel plan

Calgary-based Shaw, with many customers in the West, posted a 40-channel $25 basic package last week. Shaw is calling its skinny package Limited TV.

According to Shaw's website, its"plan focuses on the basics, providing access to limited programming options." There's a limited selection of extra individualchannels starting at $3 per month currently available.

MTS in Manitoba

Cable TV customers in Manitoba can choose slimmed-down basic packages from MTS, as well asShaw and Bell. MTS said its Starterpackage will cost $25. Customers would also need to purchase a converter box for $3, for a monthly total of $28.

Viewing habits have changed

When the CRTC announced the changes, it said they were needed in an age of new technology led by internet-based viewing.

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It makes sense from a business viewpoint that several of the providers are keeping details of their new packages under wraps until deadline day and have not been eager at all to promote them.

Industry observers and insiders within Rogers and Bell have said that sales teams at the companies will be downplaying the slimmed-downed packages, effectively discouraging customers from switching plans, in order to protect the bottom line.

However, Rogers has denied this is the case, saying itsimply advised staff to inform customers that the package is not for everyone andthat "they shouldn't be sold as a one-size-fits-all approach."